Pets mean a lot to their guardians and are widely believed to be good for human well-being, something called “the pet effect” (although the research on this is conflicting). One of the ways in which ...

In the process of writing my book on pet-related conversations in clinical settings, I've been researching and reflecting on some court decisions involving animals, particularly pets. There are ...

A new study challenges the belief in a universal “pet effect” on human well-being. Using data collected during COVID-19 lockdowns, researchers found no significant change in respondents' well-being ...

Pet loss represents a profound emotional challenge, as companion animals often occupy roles akin to family members. The grief experienced following the death of a pet encompasses a spectrum of ...

This article was made possible by the support of Yakult and produced independently by Scientific American’s board of editors. We got our first dog when my oldest son was 10. A friend who was a teacher ...

For decades, veterinary medicine largely mirrored a reactive model of care. Pets were brought to the clinic when something went wrong. Illness, injury, visible pain. Treatment followed symptoms. Today ...

It’s often said that pets replicate their owner’s behaviors, but it’s not just those early bedtime routines and naps on the couch that they copy. Have you ever felt stressed or anxious around your pet ...

New research finds pet loss can trigger prolonged grief symptoms comparable to human bereavement ...